Conservators have reported the diocese for interventions done in the Euphrasian Basilica.
The Conservation Department in Pula has reported the Poreč and Pula Diocese to the Ministry of Culture, because it placed a red carpet over the original flooring and covered a Renaissance altar wall with neo-Baroque wooden elements in the Euphrasian Basilica, a 6th century church which is under UNESCO's protection, reports Jutarnji List on September 1, 2017.
One of the most important Renaissance elements in Croatia – an antependium, or a decorative curtain with figures at the front of the altar, was also covered.
According to the conservators, the Church has degraded this cultural monument, and there were some who claimed that the damage was so significant that UNESCO's inspection could arrive for a visit. However, after the public's reaction to this scandal, the diocese has decided to remove the controversial elements urgently.
“They have just informed me that the controversial elements, apart from the carpet, had been removed and I am waiting for the feedback from the conservators in the field,” said Lorella Limoncin Toth, head of the Conservation Department in Pula. She pointed out that the case was reported to the Culture Ministry inspection.
“Our goal is to make people remove those elements which are not considered to be done according to the law. I was surprised that such an intervention was done since we often communicate with the diocese and they did not mention anything about it. It is clear that sometimes changes need to be made, but it is important that we are consulted,” said Limoncin Toth.
“Fortunately, everything is fine, and nothing has been irretrievably destroyed. To destroy a national monument of culture would be treason, When it comes to protecting the monuments, it is necessary to work cautiously and in consultations with experts,” said Ivan Matejčić, a conservator from Poreč, who knows Euphrasian Basilica very well.
“According to my information, there will be no damage when everything is removed. Only the lifting of the carpet covering the original flooring will be a little bit tricky,” said Matejčić. The carpet is especially noticeable because of its red colour which is different from the rest of the church. Matejčić argues that it is important to remove it in order to enable access to 5th-century mosaics, which are 80 cm below the floor level.
“A talented conservator could find a solution how these mosaics can be seen, without disturbing the integrity of the whole space,” said Matejčić, adding that he had heard that UNESCO could come to inspect the church, but believes there will be no sanctions. “We can renovate and protect our monuments ourselves,” concluded Matejčić.
Translated from Jutarnji List.
